The Peshawar High Court sentenced a lawyer to six months in prison after he threatened a female civil judge and used inappropriate language on Tuesday. The court also fined him Rs100,000 for contempt, reinforcing its stance against intimidation in the judiciary.
Court Holds Advocate Accountable for Threatening Behaviour
The court found that Asadullah Advocate, a member of the District Bar Association Swat, pressured Civil Judge Fauzia Naseem to deliver a favourable ruling. He repeatedly threatened the judge and crossed ethical boundaries expected from legal professionals.
Justice Ijaz Anwar highlighted that the rule of law must prevail, and intimidating a judicial officer undermines public confidence. Despite multiple orders to appear and explain his actions, Asadullah ignored judicial directives and failed to justify his behaviour.
The court determined that punishing him would protect the judiciary’s dignity and send a clear warning that threatening judges will not go unpunished.
Implications for Legal Community and Judicial Independence
Legal experts say the verdict sets a precedent for how lawyers must interact with judges across Pakistan. By acting decisively, the court protects judicial independence and ensures judges can perform their duties without fear or coercion.
Observers note that the ruling strengthens safeguards that allow judges to work freely and fairly. The lawyer’s prison sentence and fine highlight the seriousness of threatening judicial officers, particularly female judges, and underscore the need to maintain respect for the rule of law. Advocates for judicial integrity emphasize that preserving public trust depends on enforcing these standards consistently.
